Friday, August 6, 2010

Pictures from our first day together

We had a wonderful first day together as a family of 9! Had a few visitors. This is Jennifer, my dear friend and old college classmate and roommate who stopped by from out of town for a short visit. Thanks Jennifer! Love you!


Otherwise we just hung around the house and had fun. John did have to do a little work both on his real job and on all the appliances that broke down while he was gone. Honey I'm glad you're back! I love you!

A photo at the airport homecoming. Notice how exhausted everyone looks.

Zoya changed clothes I think about seven times today. She tried on every shoe in the house-seriously, rubber boots, clogs, heels, flip flops-- then put them back neatly where she found them. Wow, I'm so impressed with how well-mannered and responsible these children are. Pray that it rubs off on my other children and not the other way around. PLEASE.

Her favorite shoes were my black heels (picture below) which she clunked around in most of the day, even outside when we played in the water hose. She experienced a few obvious firsts, as evidenced by her scared and confused expressions, one being our big dog, and the other being---you'll never guess----the stairs. Once she got them figured out I had to scold her several times for trying to go up and down in my heels. Yikes! 

She hated cool whip but L-O-V-E-D strawberries.

She was SO intrigued/concerned/confused by the stairs, which surprised me until I remembered that they have ramps, not stairs in the orphanage. Wow. John said she had a similar reaction to her first car ride. Can you imagine all the things we and our kids don't think twice about, that some of our adopted children have never experienced.

It's funny, both of these little girls want to play the role of nurturer. It is interesting to see Zoya protest about getting carried around, and babied. While Zoya was napping Hope begged to go in and look at her. "I forgot what Zoya looks like, Mommy", she said.

As expected Joseph loved riding on the lawnmower with Papa.
And indicated he wanted more strawberry shortcake after he finished his first bowl.

Jude is smart. He knows how to duplicate himself to make his kitchen job easier. Both J and Z demonstrate they are in the habit of cleaning up after themselves and seemed to enjoy being given chores to contribute to kitchen cleanup. Joseph, wiping the table, and Zoya, wiping down the cabinets. They are awesome!

I love this picture! Taken just after playing on the swingset and heading back in the house for dinner.

Liesel wanted to be sure and give Ava plenty of attention so she doesn't feel left out with the new additions. I think she is still getting plenty of attention...



And the highlight of the day........



21 comments:

Amanda said...

So super sweet. I'm glad they are home. I want to thank you again for leading us to our daughter. We are paper chasing now

Deb D. said...

My heart is smiling (as is my face!) Thank you for sharing so much. Those of us who may not ever be able to personally know this joy can experience it vicariously through your family. It is such a delight!

I wonder if Joseph will like a pool. I wonder what they'll think of the horse, chickens, rabbits. I was (!) surprised about them not being familiar with stairs. I hadn't even thought of that one. I do think about their experiences riding in your vehicles, going to Wal-Mart or any other grocery and "everything" store, going to church, flying a kite, riding an escalator or elevator, living their exciting life everyday. Yes, little ones . . . this is your forever (!) family. I bet it will take a while to grasp that concept. I know it would for me. I'm rambling. Blessings to you all.

Mel said...

OMGoodness!! LOVE the shoe pics!! So happy to see them home!!

junglemama said...

Congrats Charissa! Welcome home Zoya and Joseph!

Shelly said...

Oh my goodness they look so happy! I think it is cool that you and John get to be the first ones to show them all these new things. Bathes, car rides, stairs and a big family to love!! I am so happy for you guys! :) I love the last pic too, your black heels on those tiny feet crack me up I totally laughed out loud! Keep the posts coming, I love it!!

Bethany said...

They couldn't possible be any sweeter!

Anonymous said...

So happy to see the pictures and hear all about it. Makes me smile!!

Jan

Imogen said...

Zoya and Joseph are blessed to be in such a beautiful family. The love shines through your photos - what AMAZING children you have.

My heart sings with joy to know that Zoya and Joseph will grow up in a home filled with so much love!

Sunnie said...

YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!! Joseph finally got his very own water hose!!!!!!! Thank you so much for posting!!! Good to see everybody home!!
Sunnie in NC

Kerry Shealy said...

They already look "right at home."
I always thought Joseph was one of the cutest little guys on RR. His smile melts my heart. Little Zoya is as cute as can be! I love how nurturing all of your children are! Good job mom and dad!

Justine said...

I have so many things I want to say, but the one that trumps them all is how Joseph's water-hose expression is EXACTLY like Tim's.

My heart is full of happiness for you all! Thank you for all of the wonderful pictures. J and Z look like they are settling in already!

Lisa said...

I'm so happy to see these pictures and to know that you are all together at last. This is the family that was always meant to be yours. It is a delight to get to see it unfolding. Much love to you all as you begin your life as a family of 9 :). Congratulations!!

NDMom said...

Congratulations, Urban family! The joy and love shine through.....so happy for you....

Love, Bella Bogdana's Mama

Betsy said...

THANK YOU for sharing these!! I LOVE your family, and am praying for you all to have a wonderful weekend together... call me if you need to scream, cry, brag, or just hear me pray for you C. You are a best friend... I wish I could just come over and help you!!!
BIG hugs!
betsy

Gretchen said...

So grateful that you are all together. Life must be busy....and wonderful! Congratulation!

jennifer... said...

Oh, I agree -- LOVE the 'brothers' picture!

I saw nothing but children who seemed to have been together all their lives yesterday. What a blessing that the rest of their lives WILL be together...

Julie said...

What precious, precious photos! Glad everyone is safely home. Thanks for sharing :)

Anonymous said...

I don't even know you, but i'm here crying while i watch your photos. Watching those beautiful children of GOD at home, with their family, where they are supposed to be makes my heart sing! God bless you all as you start this new journey!

kirsten said...

Saw that picture of you and Jen....your missing a person!!! So sad, I can't see your kids in person, love the family pix.

Anonymous said...

These are the photos I was soooo waiting to see. They are a picture of God making all things beautiful, in His own way. Thank you for your great posts, Charissa, John and Liesel. God bless you all.
Love
Aunt Sharon

Sandi said...

Love the joy and happiness on everyone's faces. Especially Joseph and the long awaited hose!